Suicide Glorified

Published: October 22, 1995

To the Sports Editor:

The complexity and tragedy of Scott Croteau's suicide is not illuminated by the front-page treatment in The Times. The article emphasized the attractiveness of the dead youth and the outpouring of affection at his loss. The death was left a sentimental mystery rather than a reflection on the likely presence of serious mental illness leading to suicide. It is the kind of account that is likely to project a model for other youth who may see romance and achievement in suicide. L. D. HANKOFF Elizabeth, N.J. The writer is the director of the department of behavioral health and psychiatry at Elizabeth General Medical Center.